A Barrel Clinic From the Tahitian Wizard
On June 3, 2025, Teahupo’o once again became a proving ground for the fearless—and Matahi Drollet rose to the occasion. With a clean and heavy groundswell hitting the reef, the 27-year-old local turned in yet another iconic performance, threading deep barrels with a nonchalant style that has become his signature. Known as a Teahupo’o prodigy since his teenage years, Drollet’s timing, balance, and tube sense were on full display.
While the day nearly ended in tragedy for UK big-wave surfer Tom Lowe—who was rescued by Sage Burke and Vetea David after a brutal wipeout—Matahi’s session showcased the contrast of chaos and control that defines elite-level surfing at this infamous break.
Watch the full video of Matahi’s jaw-dropping performance below:
From Teen Prodigy to Barrel Whisperer
At just 17, Drollet was already being hailed as the heir to the Teahupo’o throne. Now a decade later, he continues to solidify his place as one of the greatest ever to surf this wave. His style—calm, centered, and nearly effortless—makes the impossible look routine. Each drop and tube on June 3 was a reminder of why he commands so much respect in the lineup.
Whether you’re a surfer looking to study technique or a fan of raw ocean power, this is five minutes of footage worth watching (and rewatching).